Family and Home Life

With the holiday season fast approaching, we look forward to a break from our typical busy routines, and to time spent together with family and friends. Hopefully this means MORE cozy mornings and LESS rushed evenings. More time around the table or fireplace – steeped in conversation or playing games together. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? But somehow it feels like you just “blink” on Thanksgiving, and suddenly – it’s the middle of January! A little planning now can help us make the most of the time – nurturing relationships, creating memories, and all the while, boosting brain skills! 

Family traditions at Christmas are important because they create lasting memories, strengthen bonds, and provide a sense of stability and belonging. They bring us together, allowing for shared experiences and deeper connections with our loved ones. When it comes to making memories, there are truly so many options! Let me share with you some Christmas traditions from my own family, as well as some ideas for yours.

We’ve all met kids and adults who seem to have more curious minds than others. Those with a higher curiosity tend to retain information easier, think critically, stay involved in their community, and become lifelong learners. Can we foster or acquire a higher thirst for knowledge? You bet! Below are some practical and fun ways you can spark healthy curiosity with your children.

Think back to the last time you attempted something and failed. Maybe it was a new recipe, or perhaps the latest Pinterest creation. Failure is a part of life. Intuitively we know this to be true. But how often, do we, in our roles as parents, try to shield our children from failure? Then on the flip side, how often does our encouragement to perform set them up to fail?

You’ve picked out your curriculum and you’ve unpacked your Rainbow boxes. You’ve got the fresh school supplies. You’ve cleaned off the dining room table and hung up some maps and charts. But as your start day looms closer, you panic and think, exactly how am I going to do this? There’s no one-size-fits-all, unfortunately. But there are several elements of a typical homeschool day to take into consideration as you plan your school day and school year. Your day will be filled with different types of activities!

What makes a job fulfilling versus a job where you can’t wait for the day to be over? What makes the difference for adults who like their job versus those who are going through the motions? One major factor is that you find purpose in your job. This is also called internal motivation. There are other factors, such as the location, salary, and benefits, that are also important. This is external motivation. But if you know that your work is making a difference in the world, big or small, this is often very motivating. How do we help our teens find this kind of motivation as they move toward adulthood?

The comparison game. I know I’ve played it. It’s a game that leaves you unhappy, unsure, and unclear about where the road you’re on is taking you. It’s not a fun and exciting game or one you can ever win. It doesn’t leave you feeling accomplished or satisfied, but instead it allows you to think that your best just isn’t good enough. Comparing yourself to others is already a dangerous game, but comparing your homeschool or your children’s accomplishments to others is even more precarious!

In our modern world of runaway online shopping, package safety has become a critical aspect of our daily lives! Even if you are not as concerned about package safety as the next guy, staying informed about the latest updates on deliveries headed your way can help you maximize the smiles and avoid the tears. Let's take a look at some good reasons to use USPS Informed Delivery and FedEx Delivery Manager to track your orders!

Here’s the reality, you get 18 summers with your child…gulp! Spend them wisely and make the most of your time as you learn and make memories together! Here are some great ways to bond as a family thoughout the summer months.

Have you thought about learning a new skill with your family purely for the sake of enjoyment? Homeschooling gives you the flexibility to venture out and explore other areas of interest kids might not have time to do otherwise. Here are a few ideas to explore!